McGrale, Louray Ellen June 20,1942 – November 24,2019

Louray Ellen Mcgrale died in the arms of her children in the home of her son at 6:40 am on November 24, 2019. She was 77 years old and had been fighting a relentless battle with cancer for decades.

Louray was born in San Pedro, Ca to Raymond and Cigna (Louise) Stalmack and spent her childhood in Lomita. Her father worked for the City of Los Angeles Parks and Recreation Department and was the camp director of the Mammoths Lakes Camp High Sierra. She spent her teenage summers there and would later become part of the staff herself. This is where she met Dennis McGrale, her husband, and later raised her family. The rest is History. If you are reading this, chances are that you have a few memories of Louray or experiences that remind you of her kindness and grace. Others might remember her for her hard or maybe unconditional love. Some of you may even be lucky enough to remember her by the home sewn slippers or hot cocoa and cheesecake. There are many things that will remind us of Louray McGrale and as we take a moment to remember them, please cherish them as she had a special place in her heart for all of you.

It is with great sadness that this obituary is written. Louray was the strongest of the strong. A fighter, a survivor, and an example for us all to never give up. Think of her and carry the goodness and strength like a shield and keep going. She made sacrifices daily to give her family the opportunity to live in this amazingly beautiful environment and it is with a grateful heart that these sacrifices are acknowledged.

Louray was kind, intuitive, and a realist. She always said to keep your sense of humor. She was forgiving yet not gullible, a true friend to so many. She loved to have a good, long conversation with anyone that was willing to share the moment with her. She mentioned most recently that she should write a book, but quickly stated, “who would want to read it?”

Louray frequently stated that Mammoth Hospital saved her life so many times throughout the years, and she meant those words literally. The highest honor goes to the staff of Mammoth Hospital for everything they have done to provide a longer, more memorable life for Louray McGrale.

A list of Louray’s special people is not included because there are so many individuals she held dear. You know who you are; some of you were considered her children and part of our family, while others were lifelong friends.

A special thanks is given to Shannon Mowat, Karen Griffith, and Lisa Marusicz for giving anything and everything at any given time. And to the god parents of Louray’s children, Alfred and Lydia Carrizosa, much thanks for all their love and support. Her amazing doctors will always be in our hearts as well.

Louray’s wishes for a memorial were this, “as for services you can do nothing, or you can throw a big party.” That being said, the party will be held at a later date, sometime early next year. In the meantime, please share stories of Louray and use her example of relentless effort in your daily struggles and remember what is important. As time goes, more information on her life will circulate and a celebration of life announcement will be made. Be assured that in her last moment she was proud, peaceful, painless, and present. Words cannot express the feelings of loss for this mother and Mammoth Lakes California legend.

Louray was preceded in death by her husband Dennis McGrale and sister Cathy Hoppes. She is survived by her sister Teri Cooney and her Children, Lindy Webber (Peter), Debbie McGrale, Denise Baker (Jerry), Cathy Hochrein (Tom),  and Raymond McGrale. Her Grandchildren are Collin Webber, Lauren Webber, Kaitlyn White, Addison Orr, Travis Orr Brandon baker, Devon Baker, Lily McGrale, and Rylan McGrale. She has one great grandson by the name of Ayden Orr. There are also cousins, nieces, and nephews.

An intimate gathering is being planned for Sunday afternoon December 22nd at her son Raymond’s house in Bishop, Ca. People are invited to gather at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church on December 23rd at 7:00 am for a Mass Intention for the repose of the soul of Louray McGrale.

In “Lou” of flowers, there will be a memorial fund for expenses and charities set up under her son, Raymond McGrale, whom is honored to adhere to his mother’s wishes. Correspondence can be mailed to P.O. box 1234 Mammoth Lakes, Ca, 93546 or 2606 Irene Way Bishop, Ca, 93514.

2 responses

  1. She was my friend from the day we met, at age 18, at the cook’s cabin, Camp High Sierra. What a girl. She will be missed by so many.

  2. She helped me through my cancer in 2006, walked with me (drove my car as support vehicle) in 2008 and 2009 when I walked from Mammoth to Tom’s Place and back to raise money for the cancer support group. What an incredible, strong soul. Her spirit will be missed by many who had the priviledge to know and be in her presence…Love you Louray!

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